President Biden Hosts Diwali Festivities at the White House, Eminent Indian American Attend
President Biden hosted the largest Diwali celebration at the White House, honoring the contributions of South Asian Americans and reflecting on America's journey toward inclusion and democracy.
On November 28th, US President Joe Biden hosted a Diwali celebration at the White House, attended by over 600 distinguished Indian Americans. Members of Congress, government officials and corporate executives from across the nation joined the festivities. During the event, Biden felt honored to host the largest Diwali reception ever held at the White House. A long-standing commitment to representation was reflected upon, with emphasis placed on the important roles that South Asian Americans have held in his administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy.
In the past four years, his administration has appointed the highest number of individuals with Indian heritage to senior positions. During the 2020 presidential elections, Biden garnered the majority of Indian-American votes. Biden's remarks were preceded by a message from Vice Admiral Murthy and a video message from Sunita Williams, a retired Navy officer and NASA astronaut, who spoke from the International Space Station. Shrusti Amula, an Indian-American youth activist, introduced the president.
Biden, who lit a formal diya in the Blue Room, praised the South Asian American community for enriching all aspects of American life. He then described them as one of the country's fastest-growing and most engaged communities. The celebration represents a journey toward light and progress, referencing America's founding principles.
During his speech, Biden noted the current inflection point in American history, indicating that the decisions made today will shape the future for generations. He reminded attendees not to take the essence of America for granted, emphasizing that democracy in a diverse nation has never been easy.
Biden reflected on his 50 years of public service, expressing confidence in America's heart and soul, which draws strength from its historical and contemporary narratives. His commitment to channeling the American spirit through his presidency aimed to guide the nation through challenging times and serve as a bridge between generations. His remarks captured the essence of the inclusion and hope that characterize the Diwali festival.
